As Arsenal prepare to take on Crystal Palace this weekend, they could be facing a defensive crisis. William Saliba was injured during Arsenal’s game against Sporting Lisbon in midweek, while Takehiro Tomiyasu also picked up a knock.
This leaves Arsenal’s defensive options looking limited, and manager Mikel Arteta will be forced to select the right man to replace Saliba for this crucial game.
Saliba has been a key player for Arsenal this season, forming an impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the back. However, with Saliba now sidelined, Arsenal will need to consider their options when it comes to replacing him. While there is still hope that Saliba will be fit in time for the Palace game, Arsenal are likely to be preparing for the possibility that he won’t be available.
According to reports from Football.London, Rob Holding is the most likely candidate to come into the XI if Saliba is not fit. Holding has been exceptional in training in recent months, according to Arteta, and has been a good servant to the Gunners. While he may not have the same level of skill as Saliba, Holding is more than capable of stepping up and doing a job for Arsenal.
One potential issue for Arteta is that Tomiyasu is also injured, which means that Ben White is likely to remain at right-back. This limits Arteta’s options when it comes to selecting a replacement for Saliba, as new signing Jakub Kiwior is left-footed and Arteta is unlikely to go with two lefties together.
Despite this, Holding is a solid option for Arteta. He knows what he’s getting from the 27-year-old, and Holding has more than enough skill and experience to step up and help Arsenal secure a win against Palace. This is a crucial game for Arsenal, as they will be hoping to sign off with a win before the international break.
If Arsenal can secure a win against Palace, then their title push will be well and truly underway. While it’s still early in the season, every win counts, and Arteta will be hoping that Holding can step up and help Arsenal secure all three points this weekend.
Saliba’s injury is a blow for Arsenal, but Holding is a solid replacement option for Arteta. With Tomiyasu also injured, Arteta’s options are limited, but Holding has the skill and experience needed to help Arsenal secure a win against Palace. If Arsenal can secure all three points, then their title push will be well and truly underway.
